The ARCafé

The Arts & Recreation Center Internet Café & Bakery

A New Approach to Teaching

The goal of the ARCafé is to enhance educational and social opportunities on Vinalhaven, through hands–on learning & community involvement in education and training.

ARCafe students working at the cafe counter.

ARCafé Students working the café counter.

The ARCafé models apprenticeship–style education. Students work alongside staff and other volunteers to gain hands–on experience in service sector employment, small business management, sustainable and eco–friendly practices, civic responsibility, computer technology, as well as aspects of local economic development.

Partnerships between students and adult volunteers create social ties, motivate learners, and facilitate the handing down of important skills and knowledge between generations.

The ARCafé provides youth with a fun, safe meeting space that includes Internet access and a quiet place to do homework.

Café Service & Free Internet Access:
The ARCafé is the only year–round place on Vinalhaven where patrons can gather socially, talk at normal volume, eat food, order hot drinks, and go online — not to mention the only business on the island where student staffers serve specialty organic coffees daily throughout the winter.